Jeanneu 32 vs Beneteau 323

[rjcaudle]

Newbie looking for advice.

Will be sailing coastal NC, mostly sound. Occasional trips up and down the coast once I get more experience. Goals are to learn sailing and stay on the boat several days at a time (mostly at dock)

Checking out a 2002 Jeanneau 32 Sun Odyss and a 2004 Beneteau 323. Any advice from experienced owners or sailors would be welcome.

b

[sailingdog]

Six of one, half dozen of the other...both are actually made by Beneteau, which owns Jeanneau.

[CGMojo]

They are build by the same company. Poke around in the out-of-sight areas like bilges, lazarette, under furniture. You'll see that the Jeanneau is built a little bit better and might use a little bit better quality fittings.

The interior and deck layouts will likely be different as well. Jeanneaus will be a bit more stylish, but that's a matter of taste.

Either one will meet your needs. The question will be whether the Jeanneau will be worth the difference in price. If they're coming from two different dealers, consider the "full up" price from each---bottom paint, electronics, anchor rode, entertainment system, etc.

[rjcaudle]

Thanks, I knew it was the same company now. Wasnt sure if it made a difference going back 8-10 years in quality.

b

[blt2ski]

The SO32 will more than likely be the quicker and better sailing boat too from that vintage, as the bene's IIRC are a bit heavier, along with being bulkier and a bit less sail area for the boat.

Other than that, it is a 6 one half dozen or another as to which is better. Bene took over Jeanneau about 95 or there abouts. While the parent is the same, Ie Group Beneteau, GB also owns RV manufactures, an electric car manufacture, and premade home manufacturing plants in France. Along with until a few years ago, Waquiez was another brand of boat. They also own the custom manufacture that built the catamarans for waterworld. They are equal to a General motors here in the states. Or maybe more like General Electric currently. Reality is, ALL have there own boss's, all work independent of the other, Mdm Rowe does not say how ea will operate, etc,

Not sure if beneteau has an owners site/forum, Jeanneau does at www.jeanneau-owners.com it is base in UK.

Marty